The race classic Rocky Mountain Element was launched for 2017 completely revised and trimmed more for trail riding. 120 millimetre forks work together with a sensitive 100 millimetre rear end. The Ride9 system from Instinct and Co. is now also used on the Element, allowing the geometry and suspension to be customised to personal preferences. The steering angle is between 69 and 70 degrees. The chainstays have been kept pleasantly short for a 29er (437 to 439 millimetres), while the top tube is longer than its predecessor.
The frame weighs 2250 grams (incl. shock) and is prepared for the use of Shimano's electronic Di2 drivetrain and other gadgets. On the front and rear wheels, the Boost standard accepts 29-inch wheels. The frame is prepared for front derailleur mounting and there will be two models with 2x11 drivetrains for the German market.
The Element will be available in five model variants between 3700 and 10500 euros.
First ride review of the new Rocky Mountain Elements:
The first few metres on the trail make one thing immediately clear: the Element is not a typical race bike! But first things first, before the trail fun begins, we have to pedal the Element 970 RSL to the trail entrance. On the moderately ascending gravel path towards the summit, the suspension pumps slightly (typical for Rocky). Bikers looking for propulsion simply operate the remote lever for the shock on the handlebars and lo and behold: the rear end is quiet. The comfortable, not too sporty riding position and the good rolling Maxxis Ikon tyres make climbing fun. We got on well with the single gear ratio (32 chainring and 11-42 cassette). For fans of double cranks, the Element 970 RSL is also available with an XT 2x11 drivetrain.
Before we hit the trail at the summit, we lower the Reverb seatpost and open the shock. The suspension works sensitively, the 120 millimetres of travel on the fork gives us a feeling of security, especially when the trail gets steeper and bumpier. The 100 millimetres provided by the Fox Performance shock feel generous and can easily keep up with the potent fork. There are no noticeable imbalances in the suspension due to the different suspension travel. As soon as the trail gets more twisty, the Rocky newcomer comes into its own. The Element is lively and agile through the bends. The moderate 438 millimetre chainstays and the comfortable cockpit with 760 millimetre wide handlebars are likely to contribute to the playfulness of the fullys. Only the thin-walled tyres limit the downhill fun.
Conclusion on the Rocky Mountain Element:
The Element is not a typical race fully, but rather a sporty tourer with a preference for single trails. Hardcore racers need neither the wide handlebars nor the telescopic seat post. Everyone else will be delighted with the wide range of uses of the new Rocky Mountain Element.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
